Weapon system

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a laser weapon system, comprising: one or more lasers for generating electromagnetic radiation; laser optics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation at a target; and a control system, the control system being arranged to monitor three-dimensional position of an object other than the target, and to control a mask to at least limit generated electromagnetic radiation being directed at that object or to direct generated electromagnetic radiation towards another target or a safe location.

The present invention relates generally to a weapon system, and inparticular a laser weapon system. The present invention also relatesgenerally to related control systems and methods.

In recent years, laser weapon systems have gone from being theoreticallypossible to realistic and practical implementations. Recent advances inlaser technology have allowed laser weapon systems to become relativelyportable, whilst still powerful enough to successfully engage targets.

Whilst the recent development in laser weapon systems has been bothsignificant and impressive, the developments have largely been focussedon technology underpinning the size, portability, power and otherintrinsic properties of a single laser weapon system. A single laserweapon system typically comprises one or more lasers coupled to a singlededicated set of laser optics for directing electromagnetic radiation(e.g. a laser beam) from a laser aperture to a target. In other words,thoughts on, and development of, interaction between multiple lasers,laser optics and/or laser apertures has not been contemplated ordeveloped, or at least contemplated and/or developed to the extent ofthe technology underpinning a single laser weapon system comprising oneor more lasers coupled to a single dedicated set of laser optics. While,of course, development of intrinsic technology underpinning a systemcomprising one or more lasers and a single dedicated set of laser opticsis important, so is the development of how multiple lasers and multiplesets of laser optics for optionally engaging one or more differenttargets, or better engaging a single target, is also important. This isparticularly so for any practical implementation of a useful, practicallaser weapon system.

It is an aim of example embodiments to at least partially overcome oravoid one more disadvantages of the prior art, described above orelsewhere, or to at least provide an improved or even an alternativelaser weapon system to those already in existence.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a laserweapon system, comprising: a laser for generating electromagneticradiation; laser optics for directing the generated electromagneticradiation via one of a plurality of laser apertures; a plurality oflaser apertures, each having an associated field of regard, and eachbeing a final optical element in the laser weapon system through whichthe generated electromagnetic radiation exits the weapon; and a controlsystem, the control system being arranged to control which combinationof laser, laser optics and laser aperture the generated electromagneticradiation is directed to engage a target, based on a probability ofsuccessfully engaging that target in relation to the field of regard ofa given laser aperture of the combination.

The control system may be arranged to control through which combinationof laser optics and laser aperture the generated electromagneticradiation is directed to engage the target, based on an increased ormaximised probability of successfully engaging that target in relationto the field of regard of the laser aperture of the combination, whencompared with one or more other laser apertures of the laser weaponsystem.

The laser weapon system may comprise multiple lasers, and the controlsystem may be arranged to determine through which combination of laser,laser optics and laser apertures the generated electromagnetic radiationis routed d to engage the target by determining which assembly is to beused, based on a probability of successfully engaging that target inrelation to the field of regard of the laser aperture of thecombination.

The control system may be arranged to route generated electromagneticradiation to a particular set of laser apertures.

The control system may be arranged to route generated electromagneticradiation to a particular of laser aperture via the use of one or moremoveable optical components.

In order to determine the probability, the control system may bearranged to receive sensory input from one or more sensors locatedproximate to the laser weapon system.

In order to determine the probability, the control system may bearranged to receive sensory input from one or more sensors of a platformwhich the laser weapon system forms a part of, or which the laser weaponsystem is connected to.

In order to determine the probability, the control system may bearranged to receive sensory input from one or more sensors locatedremote from the laser weapon system.

In order to determine the probability, the control system may bearranged to receive sensory input from one or more sensors separate to aplatform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, or separate to aplatform which the laser weapon system is connected to.

The probability of successfully engaging that target may be calculatedby the controller.

The probability of successfully engaging that target may be based on oneor more of, or a combination of: position and/or dynamics of a platformwhich the laser weapon system forms a part of, or which the laser weaponsystem is connected to; and/or position and/or dynamics of the target;and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more friendly assets; and/orposition and/or dynamics of one or more non-combatants; and/or theposition of environmental features such as terrain.

The control system may be arranged to monitor (in real-time) athree-dimension position of an object other than the target, and tocontrol a mask to prevent generated electromagnetic radiation beingdirected at that object.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided acontrol system for use with a laser weapon system, the laser weaponsystem comprising: a laser for generating electromagnetic radiation;laser optics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation viaone of a plurality of laser apertures; a plurality of apertures, eachhaving an associated field of regard, and each being a final opticalelement in the laser weapon system through which the generatedelectromagnetic radiation exits the weapon; and the control system isarranged to control through which combination of laser optics and laseraperture the generated electromagnetic radiation is directed to engage atarget, based on a probability of successfully engaging that target inrelation to the field of regard of the laser aperture of thecombination.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof controlling a laser weapon system, the laser weapon systemcomprising: a laser for generating electromagnetic radiation; laseroptics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation via one ofa plurality of apertures; a plurality of apertures, each having anassociated field of regard, and each being a final optical element inthe laser weapon system through which the generated electromagneticradiation exits the weapon;

and the method comprising: controlling through which combination oflaser optics and laser aperture the generated electromagnetic radiationis directed to engage a target, based on a probability of successfullyengaging that target in relation to the field of regard of the laseraperture of the combination.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a laserweapon system, comprising: one or more lasers for generatingelectromagnetic radiation; laser optics for directing the generatedelectromagnetic radiation at a target via a laser aperture; a laseraperture, being a final optical element in the laser weapon systemthrough which the generated electromagnetic radiation exits the weapon;

and a control system, the control system being arranged to monitor thethree-dimensional position of an object other than the target, and tocontrol a mask to prevent generated electromagnetic radiation beingdirected at that object.

The control system may be arranged to allow the target to becontinuously engaged unless and until the object other that the targetis: close to being located in-between the laser aperture and the target;and/or in-between the laser aperture and the target, at which point theobject is masked to prevent generated electromagnetic radiation beingdirected at that object.

The mask may be a real-time three-dimensional representation of the realworld (i.e. a virtual mask).

The mask may be a virtual mask in that the controller is arranged toprevent one or more lasers from generating electromagnetic radiation inorder to prevent generated electromagnetic radiation being directed atthat object other that the target, as opposed to already generatedelectromagnetic radiation being physically blocked or otherwisephysically deflected.

The mask may be a virtual mask in that the controller is arranged toengage a new target when an existing target is masked.

The mask may be a physical mask for physically blocking or otherwisephysically deflecting already generated electromagnetic radiationtowards another target or a safe location, in order to prevent generatedelectromagnetic radiation being directed at the object other than thetarget.

The object other than the target may be fixed in position relative to atleast a part of the one or more lasers, or at least a part of the laseraperture.

The object may be a platform which the laser weapon system forms a partof, or which the laser weapon system is connected to.

The object other than the target may be moveable in position relative tothe laser aperture.

The object other than the target may comprise: one or more friendlyassets; and/or one or more non-combatants; and/or one or moreenvironmental features.

The mask may be dynamically adjusted to take into account: movement ofthe target and/or the object other than the target; and/or movement ofthe laser apertures; and/or a platform to which the laser system isconnected, or which the laser system forms a part of.

In order to determine the mask, the control system may be arranged toreceive sensory input from one or more sensors located proximate to thelaser weapon system. The one or more sensors may be sensors of aplatform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, or which thelaser weapon system is connected to.

In order to determine the mask, the control system may be arranged toreceive sensory input from one or more sensors located remote from thelaser weapon system. The one or more sensors may be sensors separate toa platform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, or separate toa platform which the laser weapon system is connected to.

The mask may be calculated by the controller. The mask may be based onone or more of, or a combination of: position and/or dynamics of aplatform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, or which thelaser weapon system is connected to; and/or position and/or dynamics ofthe target; and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more friendlyassets; and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more non-combatants;and/or the position of environmental features.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided acontrol system for a laser weapon system, the control system beingarranged to monitor a real-time three-dimensional position of an objectother than a target of the laser weapon system, and to use a mask toprevent generated electromagnetic radiation being directed at thatobject.

The control system may use the control mask to direct generatedelectromagnetic radiation towards another target or a safe location.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof controlling a laser weapon system, comprising monitoring a real-timethree-dimensional position of an object other than a target of the laserweapon system, and to mask that object to prevent generatedelectromagnetic radiation being directed at that object.

The method may comprising using a control mask to direct generatedelectromagnetic radiation towards another target or a safe location.

It will be appreciated from the above, and the more detailed embodimentsbelow, that one or more features from one aspect can be combined withand/or replace one or more features of another aspect, unless suchcombination or replacement would be mutually exclusive from theunderstanding of the skilled person after a reading of this entiredisclosure.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a proposed laser weapon;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a laser weapon system according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a laser weapon system according to anotherexample embodiment;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts routing of electromagnetic radiation, foruse in the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts example methodology according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a laser weapon system according to afurther example embodiment;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts additional or alternative principlesassociated with the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 schematically depicts methodology according to exampleembodiments.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a platform 2 provided with a laser weaponsystem. The platform 2 could be any object or structure useful for theparticular application, and capable of carrying or otherwise beingconnected to a laser weapon system. For instance, the platform 2 couldbe a military vehicle, such as a land-based vehicle, or a naval vessel,or even an aircraft. The platform could be static (e.g. being a buildingor other structure) or be moveable. In this particular example, andstrictly by way of example only, the platform 2 is a naval vessellocated in a body of water 4, for example a sea or ocean.

In this particular example, the platform 2 houses a laser 6. The laser 6is connected by one or more conduits or guides, for example opticalfibres or waveguides 8, to laser optics 10. The laser optics 10 are fordirecting generated electromagnetic radiation 12 (e.g. laser energy or alaser beam) at a target 14, 16.

Details of the laser 6 and laser optics 10 are not provided herein,because such details are not necessary for understanding of the conceptsdescribed herein. That is, existing lasers and existing laser opticscould be used to implement the inventive concept described furtherbelow. It is the control of the lasers or laser optics which is mostimportant for the concepts according to example embodiments.

Returning to FIG. 1, the laser optics 10 may be housed in, or be, aturret or other structure. Sometimes, the laser optics 10 might bedescribed as comprising (which includes being) a laser aperture, theaperture being a final optical element in the laser weapon systemthrough which electromagnetic radiation exits the weapon. “Laser optics”is the term used generally herein to describe one or more opticalcomponents that are used to direct generated electromagnetic radiationat a target via a laser aperture.

The laser optics 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be movable such that the laseroptics (and aperture) 10 has a general field of a regard 18. This fieldof regard 18 is understood to include the entire possible view ortargeting space possible via movement of the laser optics 10, to engagea target 14, 16. The laser optics 10 is typically provided with one ormore mechanical stops or similar which limit 20 the field of regard 18to prevent the laser optics inadvertently directing electromagneticradiation at the platform 2.

In general, the laser weapon system of FIG. 1 may work satisfactorily inmost circumstances. However, improvements are indeed possible. Forinstance, it can be seen in FIG. 1 that two targets are shown 14, 16.One target 14 is within the field of regard 18 of the laser optics 10.However, another target 16 is not within the field of regard 18, and isinstead within a range 22 of the platform 2 that simply cannot betargeted or otherwise engaged by the laser weapon system, or moreparticularly the laser optics 10 of that system.

Ideally, the range 22 within which a target (e.g. target 16) cannot beengaged should be as small as possible, so as to increase theprobability of being able to successfully engage a target in thevicinity, and in particular, close vicinity if needed, of the platform 2comprising or in connection the laser weapon system. In accordance withthe example embodiments, these problems can be overcome by providing oneor more lasers for generating electromagnetic radiation, and laseroptics (which includes one or more components) for directing thegenerated electromagnetic radiation at a target via a laser aperture.Key is that the weapon system comprises a control system, where thecontrol system is arranged to control which combination of laser, laseroptics and laser aperture is used to engage the target. Importantly, thecontrol system decides which combination to use based on a probabilityof successfully engaging the target in relation to the field of regardof the laser aperture of the combination. This approach allows multiplelasers, laser optics and laser apertures to be more efficiently andeffectively managed and used, which not only allows for a target to beengaged more efficiently and efficiently in general, but can also allowfor the laser weapon system to efficiently and effectively engagetargets closer to a platform comprising the laser weapon system.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a platform 30, for example in the form of anaval vessel, located on a body of water 32. The platform 30 comprises alaser weapon system according to an example embodiment.

The laser weapon system comprises a first laser 34 for generatingelectromagnetic radiation for use by a first set of dedicated laserapertures 36. The system also comprises a second laser 38 for generatingelectromagnetic radiation for use by a second dedicated set of laserapertures 40.

Much as with the existing system of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows that each setof laser apertures 36, 40 has an associated field of regard 42, 44within which the respective laser apertures 36, 40 can directelectromagnetic radiation 46, 48 (e.g. laser energy or a laser beam) atone or more targets 50, 52, 54, 56.

It can already be seen that distributing sets of laser apertures 36, 40about the platform 30 means that the minimum range 58 within whichtargets 50, 52, 54, 56 can be successfully engaged is significantlyreduced with respect to the existing systems, for example as shown inFIG. 1. This is because the fields of regard 42, 44 associated with thelaser apertures 36, 40 will have different physical stops and thereforedifferent limits 60, 62 to the fields of regards 42, 44.

As shown in FIG. 2, while the combined fields of regard 42, 44 mean thatcoverage is increased around and about the platform 30, successfullyengaging a target 50, 52, 54, 56 around and about the platform 30 is notstraightforward. For example, even in the simplistic view shown in FIG.2, it can be seen that targets 50, 52 are not within the field of regard44 of laser aperture 40. At the same time, targets 54, 56 are indeedwithin the field of regard 44 of laser aperture 40. The reverse oropposite is true of the field of regard 42 of laser aperture 36. So,without careful management of the laser apertures 42, 44 and associatedlasers 34, 38, a target could approach the platform without beingengaged. In fact, depending on how the laser apertures 36, 40 andassociated lasers 34, 38 are controlled in combination (i.e.holistically), a target could in theory get closer to the platform 30 ofFIG. 2 than the platform of FIG. 1, due to the different fields ofregard of respective laser apertures.

Importantly, then, the laser weapon system of FIG. 2 also comprises acontrol system 64. The control system 64 is arranged to control whichcombination of laser optics, laser apertures 36, 40 and associatedlasers 34, 38 is used to engage a particular target 50, 52, 54 56. Thecontrol is not arbitrary, but is instead based on a probability ofsuccessfully engaging a particular target in relation to the field ofregard of the laser apertures 36, 40 of the combination.

In some instances, the probability determination could be rathersimplistic, for example being either certain (at least in terms oftargeting) or zero. This is clearly visible in FIG. 2, and as alreadydescribed above, where laser aperture 36 cannot possibly engage target54, 56, whereas laser aperture 40 can engage target 54, 56. So, in thissituation, in combination with appropriate sensing 66, the controllerwill be able to readily determine which combination of laser 34, 38 andlaser apertures 36, 40 has the highest probability of successfullyengaging the targets 50, 52, 54, 56. That is, when comparing theprobability of laser aperture 36 engaging targets 54, 56 with theprobability of laser aperture 40 engaging targets 54, 56, it will bequickly and readily apparent that an increased or maximised probabilityof engagement is possible with laser aperture 40.

In FIG. 2, one or more lasers may direct or otherwise provideelectromagnetic radiation to a single set of dedicated optics. Together,this might form a laser-optics assembly, and, as shown in FIG. 2, thecontrol system 64 can determine or otherwise calculate which assembly isbetter used to engage a particular target 50, 52, 54 56. As describedfurther below, different ways of achieving combinations of laser, laseroptics and laser apertures are possible, depending on how the laserweapon system is set up or configured. That is, it may not be necessaryto have a dedicated laser system for a dedicated set of laser apertures.

As shown in FIG. 2, in order to determine the probability of engaging atarget, the control system 64 is arranged to receive sensory input fromone or more sensors 66 located proximate to the laser weapon system, andin this case by one or more sensors 66 that form part or are otherwiseconnected to the platform 30 itself. It will be readily envisaged whatsort of form the sensors might take, or be otherwise associated with forreceiving sensory data, for example different forms of radar, audio,visual, global positioning systems, or similar, and potentially evenfeedback from users of the platform, for example in terms of whichparticular target or targets is or are to be engaged. So, a sensorincludes a user input unit, or user interface. In alternative oradditional examples, however, the control system 64 may be arranged toreceive sensory input from one or more sensors located remote from thelaser weapon system, for example from one or more sensors which areseparate to the laser weapon system 64 and/or platform 30. For instance,such remote sensory information may be provided by one or more friendlyassets, in the form of one more remote platforms or similar which mightassist in providing targeting information or similar. These could beother vessels, vehicles, structures, users or similar that cancommunicate with the platform that comprises the laser weapon system.

As discussed above, the determination of the probability of successfullyengaging a target might be a relatively simple calculation, and cansimply be a case of whether or not a target can actually be engaged atall by the laser apertures of a particular combination or assembly ofthe laser-optics. Sometimes, though, the calculation may be more complexor sophisticated, and/or dynamic in nature, for example being repeatedlyupdated to determine which of multiple laser apertures are used toengage the target, possibly with the same or different combinationsbeing used in parallel or in succession. For instance, the probabilityfor successfully engaging the target that is calculated (or possiblyreceived) by the controller might optionally be based on one or more of,or a combination of: position and/or dynamics of the platform which thelaser weapon system forms a part of, or which the laser weapon system isconnected to; and/or position and/or dynamics of the target; and/orposition and/or dynamics of one or more friendly assets; and/or positionand/or dynamics of one or more non-combatants. For example, if there isrelative movement between the platform and the target, then even thoughthe target could be successfully engaged for a short period of time byparticular laser-aperture, it might well be calculated that a differentlaser aperture, could, based on the current dynamics of the target,successfully engage the target for a longer period of time. That timecould be a time necessary to disable or otherwise neutralise the target.Such calculations of probability may be based mainly on relativelystraightforward geometry or similar, possibly in combination with dataassociated with the laser weapon system and/or target in terms of timefor which the target has to be successfully engaged in order tosatisfactorily neutralise the target or otherwise reach a satisfactoryconclusion with respect to that target. So, it could easily be envisagedthat over a period of time, different combinations laser optics andlaser apertures are used to engage the same target at the same time, orin succession, as to the target moves around and about the platform, orthe platform moves around and about the target. The control system willensure that the target is engaged in the most effective manner.

It will be appreciated that with multiple laser apertures beingcontrolled at any one time, and in a dynamic environment, the risks ofinadvertently directing electromagnetic radiation at the platformitself, or a friendly asset or non-combatant, could be significantlyincreased. Therefore, and as described in more detail further below, thecontrol system may be arranged to monitor a three-dimensional positionof an object other than the target, and control a mask (e.g. physical orvirtual) to prevent generated electromagnetic radiation being directedat that object. Such a simple but effective implementation may vastlyimprove the effectiveness and/or safety of the laser weapon system as awhole.

As discussed above in relation to FIG. 2, each of one or more dedicatedlasers may be associated with a dedicated set of laser optics and laserapertures for directing generated electromagnetic radiation at a singletarget. There may be more than one set of dedicated assemblies on anygiven platform, in order to improve coverage around and about theplatform as already discussed. Other implementations are, of course,possible. As shown now in FIG. 3, the setup of the laser weapon systemis slightly different to that shown in and described with reference toFIG. 2. The same features appearing in FIGS. 2 and 3 are given the samereference numerals, for brevity and simplicity. In FIG. 3, the differentsets of laser apertures 36, 40 are still provided on the platform 30.However, instead of these laser apertures 36, 40 each being fed with oneor more dedicated lasers, FIG. 3 shows that a single set or grouping ofone or more lasers 70 is controlled by a control system 72 to beappropriately routed to the one or more laser apertures 36, 40. So, inthis particular example, instead of the control system 72 deciding whichassembly of laser-laser optics (i.e. laser, laser optics and laseraperture) to use, the control system 72 decides through which laserapertures 36, 40 generated electromagnetic radiation should be directedor otherwise routed to, for engaging a target.

In some examples, the arrangement of FIG. 2 may be preferable, in thatit may be possible, or easier, to simultaneously engage multiple targetswith multiple laser apertures, since each set of laser apertures can beappropriately fed or provided with generated electromagnetic radiationfor engaging that target. In another scenario, the arrangement of FIG. 3may be preferable, in that fewer lasers may be required in order tosatisfactorily feed or provide the laser apertures with generatedelectromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing the cost, weight,complexity, and so on of the system as a whole. It will be appreciatedthat, in some examples, there may be a combination of dedicatedlaser-laser aperture assemblies (e.g. such as in FIG. 2) and then asystem where the number of sets of laser apertures is greater than thenumber of lasers or laser groups that could satisfactorily providegenerated electromagnetic radiation to those laser apertures forengaging a target. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 could represent differentparts of the same platform. This combination might improve theflexibility of use of a system as whole.

FIG. 4 shows how the control system 72 may appropriately route generatedelectromagnetic radiation 80 in a particular direction 82, for exampleto a particular laser aperture. In particular, one or more opticalcomponents 84 might be provided which are able to be controlled toappropriately route the electromagnetic radiation 80, 82 from a laser toany of the provisioned laser apertures. Typically, the component 84 orcomponents will be movable to achieve this routing, for example being inthe form or a movable or steerable mirror or prism or similar.

As described above, an entire laser weapon system has been described asbeing provided. However, it will also be appreciated that an existinglaser weapon system might be improved via the control and controlsystems described above. That is, an existing laser weapon system mighthave its control system replaced with the sort of controls as describedabove to improve the operation of that laser system.

FIG. 5 describes general methodology associated with exampleembodiments. The methodology is for a laser weapon comprising one ormore lasers for generating electromagnetic radiation, and laser opticsfor routing the generated electromagnetic radiation through an aperture,at a target, the laser aperture having an associated field of regard.The method might comprise controlling which combination of laser, laseroptics and laser aperture is used to engage a target, based on aprobability of successfully engaging that target in relation to thefield of regard of the laser aperture of the combination 90. The methodmight further comprise controlling the laser weapon system to engage thetarget with that combination 92.

It has already been described above that a laser weapon system may tracka target in order to successfully engage with and neutralise orotherwise reach a conclusion with that target. There may be multipletargets. There may be multiple laser apertures engaging with one or moredifferent targets. Overall, then, there may be a rapidly changing,dynamic, situation where targets are being engaged in a rapidly changingmanner in and amongst friendly assets and/or non-combatants. Such asituation, of course, increases the risk of an object other than theintended target being unintentionally exposed to the electromagneticradiation that is generated and directed by a laser weapon system. Thatis, an object other than the intended target could inadvertently and/orunintentionally be targeted. It is of course desirable to avoid thesituation.

According to an example embodiment, it has been realised that the riskof inadvertent and/or unintentional engaging or targeting of objectsother than an intended target can be largely reduced or even avoided byemploying a control system for the laser weapon system that is arrangedto monitor a three-dimensional position of an object other than thetarget, and to control a mask to prevent generated electromagneticradiation being directed at that object. So, for instance, it is alreadyknown to track and engage with a target using the laser weapon system. Arelatively subtle but powerful modification of such a system is also toensure that an object that is not to be targeted is also monitored andtracked. That object is simply masked out, so that it is simply notpossible to inadvertently direct electromagnetic radiation toward andinto contact with that object.

The masking could be a physical mask, where a physical object is used toblock the generated electromagnetic radiation. Other physical principlesmay be used to otherwise deflect the electromagnetic radiation away fromthe particular object, for example by way of refraction, diffraction, orsimilar.

A physical or virtual (see below) mask could ensure that when the objectwould otherwise be engaged, the optics, or generated electromagneticradiation, is automatically directed to a location other than thatobject.

A perhaps simpler and more straightforward implementation, and perhapseven more powerful, is to employ a virtual mask, where the masking isimplemented in software or similar, so that it is simply not possiblefor the electromagnetic radiation to be directed at the object in thefirst place. For instance, this could be achieved by monitoring theobject, and ensuring it is not possible to generate electromagneticradiation when the laser optics are routing electromagnetic radiationvia an aperture directed towards the object, for example by turning offone or more lasers, including all lasers, that would otherwise begenerating electromagnetic radiation for the particular aperture(s) thatis/are directed toward the object. This could be far safer and easier tomanage than an implementation where a beam is deflected away from thetarget, where it could be hard to monitor the deflected electromagneticradiation with regard to objects that could fall in the path of suchdeflection. Also, a virtual mask means that a physical stop does notneed to be provided that is capable of withstanding all, or asignificant portion, of the energy of the generated electromagneticradiation.

FIG. 6 shows a platform 100, which in one example could take the form ofa naval vessel, as described above. The platform 100 is located in abody of water 102. The platform 100 is provided with a laser weaponsystem according to an example embodiment. The laser weapon systemcomprises one or more lasers 104 capable of generating electromagneticradiation, which can be routed to a laser aperture 106. A control system108 can, as with other embodiments, control the steering or otherwisedirecting of the laser aperture 106 to successfully engage targets inthe vicinity of the platform 100. The target can be tracked using one ormore sensors 110, which may be proximate to the platform 100 (includingforming a part of the platform), or which, in other embodiments, couldbe remote from the platform 100, all as described above.

The laser aperture 106 has a field of regard 112 within which an objectcan be targeted—i.e. electromagnetic radiation can be directed atobjects within this field of regard 112 by the laser aperture 106.Mechanical stops or similar may be in place to prevent or otherwiselimit 114 the field of regard 112 of an aperture 106 extending over orotherwise overlapping with the platform 100 itself, to prevent the laseraperture 106 causing damage to the platform 100 when generatingelectromagnetic radiation.

FIG. 6 shows a target 116 within a general field of regard 112 of thelaser aperture 106. An object in the form of a friendly asset 118 isalso shown as being within the general of field of regard 112 of thelaser aperture 106. As described above, the laser aperture 106 may beused to direct electromagnetic radiation in the form of a laser beam orsimilar 120 at the target 116. However, as there is likely to berelative movement between the platform 100, laser aperture 106, target116, and friendly asset or object 118, it is clearly possible that thedirected electromagnetic radiation 120 could, unintentionally, bedirected at the object 118. Clearly, this could be undesirable.Therefore, in this embodiment, the control system 108 is arranged tomonitor (or be fed with monitoring data based on) a three-dimensionalposition of the object 118, and to control a mask to prevent generatedelectromagnetic radiation being directed at the object 118.

FIG. 6 shows how the mask may be achieved, at least at one particularinstant in time. It can be seen that the general field of regard 112 ofthe laser aperture 106 is, in practice, prevented or otherwise modifiedfrom being fully implementable or realisable. In particular, the fieldof regard when the mask is implemented by the control system 108 isrestricted 122 to provide (or by providing) a mask 124 that spans anangular extent or space 126 at least occupied by the object 118. Eventhough, in theory, electromagnetic radiation could be directed in thisangular or otherwise spatial extent 126 by the laser aperture 106, thecontrol system 108 prevents this from happening by way of the mask 124,which might be described as mechanical or virtual stops or limits,preventing the electromagnetic radiation being directed in this regionor zone or space. The object is in a safer environment as a result ofthe mask 124.

The mask that is used can be established and implemented in one of anumber of different ways. In order to establish the mask, thethree-dimensional position of the object 118 will need to be in someways determined, and likely in combination with the position of one ormore targets. This can be achieved by one or more sensors 110 formingpart of, or working in relation to, the platform or similar, or fromanother friendly platform or asset as described above. Similarly, themask may be calculated by the controller, and will optionally be basedon one or more of, or a combination of, position and/or dynamics of aplatform which laser weapon forms a part of, of which the laser weaponis to be connected to: and/or position and/or dynamics of a target;and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more friendly assets and/orposition and/or dynamics of one or more non-combatant; and/orenvironmental features such as terrain. In a related example, thecontrol system could be fed with an already determined mask (calculatedon the platform or remotely), and simply implement that mask.

Typically, the object that it is to be masked out will be a friendlyasset or non-combatant, an environmental feature or even (as describedbelow) the platform itself.

The masking could be implemented in hardware, for example with amechanical, or optical, or electrical component being used in some wayto stop or otherwise deflect the beam away from the object when,otherwise, the object would have electromagnetic radiation directedtoward and into contact with it. The hardware could be moved, or itsconfiguration otherwise changed, to implement the masking. However, avirtual mask is likely to be more suitable and flexible in practice.That is, rather than actually physically stopping or deflecting thegenerated electromagnetic radiation, it might be easier and simpler tocontrol the masking in software, for example ensuring that it is notpossible for the electromagnetic radiation to be generated when thelaser apertures are directed or are to be directed at the object inquestion. This might most conveniently be achieved by preventing one ormore lasers from generating electromagnetic radiation (at all, or to aharmful extent) when the object would otherwise be subjected todirected/incident electromagnetic radiation.

It will therefore be appreciated from the above that the control system108 allows a target to be continuously tracked and engaged unless anduntil: the object that is not to be targeted is close to being locatedin-between a given laser aperture and the target; and/or the object isin-between a given laser aperture and the target. At this point, theobject is masked to prevent electromagnetic radiation being directed atthat object. In other words, the target might be continuously trackedwith and engaged by the laser-generated electromagnetic radiation (e.g.laser energy being incident on the target), and the engagement (e.g.incidence of laser energy), and not necessarily the tracking (e.g.movement of the aperture), is interrupted when a laser aperture-targetpath is crossed, or about to be crossed, by the monitored object.

It will be appreciated that the exact masking may vary dependent on thestart and shut down times of the laser system and so on. That is, thepowering up and powering down of the lasers may be in some way staggeredso that damage to any such monitored object is limited or avoided, butat the same time minimising the time for which the target cannot besuccessfully engaged. Many different factors may feed into theseoperating principles, for example the speed at which electromagneticradiation is being swept around or about a space of the platform inorder to successfully engage a target, the expected intensity andtherefore potential damage to the object at the distance from the laserapertures, and so on. These are implementation details that will beunderstood and realised in a practical implementation. So, mostimportant is the concept that has been generally describedherein—masking out of an object that is not to be targeted and engagedwith. The masking may be total, so that no electromagnetic radiation canbe directed at the monitored object. This can be for the entire time forwhich the laser aperture-target path is crossed, or about to be crossed,by the monitored object, or could be for a reduced time, to limit (andnot necessarily prevent) damage. The masking may be partial, so that thefull extent of maximum possible generated electromagnetic radiation isnot directed at the object. So, the amount of electromagnetic radiationcan be reduced (partially or to zero) for the entire time for which thelaser aperture-target path is crossed, or about to be crossed, by themonitored object, or could be for a reduced time, to limit (and notnecessarily prevent) damage. In short, the masking is such that thegenerated electromagnetic radiation that is to be, or is being, directedat the target is at least partially reduced for the entire time forwhich the laser aperture-target path is crossed, or about to be crossed,by the monitored object, or for a reduced time, to limit (and notnecessarily prevent) damage.

In another example embodiment, the masking of an object may lead to thelaser weapon system being switched to engage a new target.

The masking concept can be used in relation to a single laser-laseraperture assembly, for example such as single assembly described above(in relation to the two assemblies of FIG. 2, or even the assembly ofFIG. 1), or to a system employing fewer lasers or laser systems thanthere are sets of laser optics and laser apertures, whereelectromagnetic radiation is routed through the appropriate set of laseroptics and laser apertures, again as described above (e.g. in relationto FIG. 3).

FIG. 6 showed how the general field of regard of a given laser aperturecould be in some way limited to provide a mask to ensure that an object,such as a static or moveable object such as a friendly asset.non-combatant, or an environmental feature could be masked frominadvertently being targeted with electromagnetic radiation. In FIG. 6,the field of regard was mechanically limited from encompassing theplatform 100 itself.

FIG. 7 shows that a field of regard 130 might not be limited bymechanical stops from encompassing the platform 100 itself. Instead, themasking described above in relation to non-combatant, friendly assets orenvironmental features may be additionally or alternatively be modifiedto include the platform 100 itself as the object to be masked. That is,the general field of regard 130 of the laser aperture 106 may bemodified 132 to impose stops 134 which effectively mask out the platform100 itself from being inadvertently targeted by the laser aperture 106.As above, the stops, limits or otherwise masking may be virtual orsoftware-like in nature, or implemented using a hardware based mask.

As with all embodiments described herein, the laser weapon system ofFIG. 6 or FIG. 7 may be useful as a standalone or newly manufactured orinstalled system. However, it is possible that existing laser weaponsystems could have their control systems replaced or otherwise upgradedwith the control methodology described above. That is, an existingsystem could be modified to employ a controller that is arranged tomonitor (either directly, with sensors, or indirectly, using data fed tothe controller) a three-dimensional position of an object other than thetarget of the laser weapon system, and to use a mask to preventgenerated electromagnetic radiation being directed at the object.

FIG. 8 describes a general methodology associated with recentlydescribed embodiments. The method is for controlling a laser weaponsystem, and comprises monitoring a three-dimensional position of anobject other than a target of the laser weapon 140. The monitoring couldbe undertaken directly, with sensors in connection with the controlsystem, or indirectly, using data fed to the control system. The datacould be or assist in detailing the mask, or could be data via which amask is calculated. The method then comprises masking that object toprevent generated electromagnetic radiation being directed at thatobject 142. Of course, the method might also comprise controlling thelaser weapon to engage that target and, as above, without engaging themonitored object.

As with the physical systems described above, the methodology describedin relation to FIGS. 5 and 8 can be combined.

The described control systems may be implemented in hardware, orsoftware, or a combination of hardware and software. The describedcontrol systems can calculate the probability and/or mask, or be fedwith information for use in implementing actions as a result of analready calculated probability or mask. That is, the control system cancalculate the probability and/or mask and take actions in relation tothe probability and/or mask, or simply take actions after being fed withinformation relating to the probability and/or mask.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications might be made without departing from the scope of theinvention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filedconcurrently with or previous to this specification in connection withthis application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1: A laser weapon system, comprising: one or more lasers for generatingelectromagnetic radiation; laser optics for directing the generatedelectromagnetic radiation at a target via a laser aperture; a laseraperture, being a final optical element in the laser weapon systemthrough which the generated electromagnetic radiation exits the weapon;and a control system, the control system being arranged to monitor thethree-dimensional position of an object other than the target, and tocontrol a mask to at least limit generated electromagnetic radiationbeing directed at that object. 2: The laser weapon system of claim 1,wherein the control system is arranged to allow the target to becontinuously engaged unless and until the object other than the targetis: close to being located in-between the laser optics and the target;and/or in-between the laser optics and the target, at which point theobject is masked to at least limit generated electromagnetic radiationbeing directed at that object. 3: The laser weapon system of claim 1,wherein the mask is a virtual mask comprising a real-timethree-dimensional representation of the real world. 4: The laser weaponsystem of claim 3, wherein the mask is a virtual mask in that thecontroller is arranged to prevent one or more lasers from generatingelectromagnetic radiation in order to prevent generated electromagneticradiation being directed at that object other than the target, asopposed to already generated electromagnetic radiation being physicallyblocked or otherwise physically deflected. 5: The laser weapon of claim1, wherein the mask is a physical mask for physically blocking orotherwise physically deflecting already generated electromagneticradiation towards another target or a safe location, in order to atleast limit generated electromagnetic radiation being directed at theobject other than the target. 6: The laser weapon system of claim 1,wherein the object other than the target is fixed in position relativeto at least a part of the one or more lasers, or at least a part of thelaser aperture, and optionally wherein the object is a platform whichthe laser weapon system forms a part of, or which the laser weaponsystem is connected to. 7: The laser weapon system of claim 1, whereinthe object other than the target is moveable in position relative to thelaser aperture. 8: The laser weapon system of claim 1, wherein theobject other than the target comprises: one or more friendly assets;and/or one or more non-combatants; and/or one or more environmentalfeatures 9: The laser weapon system of claim 1, wherein the mask isdynamically adjusted to take into account: movement of the target and/orthe object; and/or movement of the laser aperture; and/or movement of aplatform to which the laser system is connected, or which the lasersystem forms a part of. 10: The laser weapon system of claim 1, whereinin order to determine the mask, the control system is arranged toreceive sensory input from one or more sensors located proximate to thelaser weapon system; and optionally wherein the one or more sensors aresensors of a platform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, orwhich the laser weapon system is connected to. 11: The laser weaponsystem of claim 1, wherein in order to determine the mask, the controlsystem is arranged to receive sensory input from one or more sensorslocated remote from the laser weapon system; and optionally wherein theone or more sensors are sensors separate to a platform which the laserweapon system forms a part of, or separate to a platform which the laserweapon system is connected to. 12: The laser weapon system of claim 1,wherein the mask is calculated by the controller, and is optionallybased on one or more of, or a combination of: position and/or dynamicsof a platform which the laser weapon system forms a part of, or whichthe laser weapon system is connected to; and/or position and/or dynamicsof the target; and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more friendlyassets; and/or position and/or dynamics of one or more non-combatants;and/or position of environmental features. 13: A control system for alaser weapon system, the control system being arranged to monitor inreal time, the three-dimensional position of an object other than atarget of the laser weapon system, and to use a mask to at least limitgenerated electromagnetic radiation being directed at that object. 14: Acontrol system for a laser weapon system, the control system beingarranged to monitor in real time, the three-dimensional position of anobject other than a target of the laser weapon system, and to use acontrol mask to direct generated electromagnetic radiation towardsanother target or a safe location. 15: A method of controlling a laserweapon system, comprising monitoring in real time, the three-dimensionalposition of an object other than a target of the laser weapon system,and to mask that object to at least limit generated electromagneticradiation being directed at that object. 16: The method according toclaim 15 comprising using a control mask to direct generatedelectromagnetic radiation towards another target or a safe location.